Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

August 9, 2026

Mary Frisby Cloran, 94, of Charlotte, North Carolina, died peacefully on August 9, 2026.

Mary was born on August 21, 1931, in Ashland, Kentucky, to Rebecca and Neal Frisby. She was the youngest of four children, all of whom predeceased her. As the youngest, Mary was the child who could get away with just about anything. She has been described as a dynamo and a spirited lady. As someone remarked in the days since her passing, “That’ll wake ’em up in heaven!”

Mary married Martin “Marty” Cloran on June 10, 1950, in Ashland, Kentucky. Together, they raised a family and built a life in many different towns as Marty climbed the corporate ladder. They were married for 56 years. Mary played an important role in Marty’s career, graciously hosting cocktail and dinner parties for his business associates.

Above all, Mary cherished her family. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and aunt, and family was of utmost importance to her in her role as matriarch.

Mary was a fabulous cook, a competitive golfer, and a winning bridge player. Family and food went hand in hand in her home. For 50 years, she carried on the Christmas morning tradition of hosting an Irish coffee party, sometimes welcoming as many as 100 people. Somehow, she made it all seem effortless.

Mary was funny and had a wonderful, joyful laugh. She was generous, stubborn, and truly the “hostess with the mostest.” Mary and Marty traveled the world together for many years and introduced their children and grandchildren to the wonders of travel.

Mary had many stories to tell, and sometimes it was hard to determine where one story ended and another began. After years of listening, her family was almost able to follow the thread. They are still waiting for the endings to some.

Mary is survived by her daughter, Mary Hayes, and son-in-law, Baxter, of Charlotte; grandson, Alan Hayes, and his wife, Hannah, of Washington, D.C.; granddaughter, Kennedy Vaughan, and her husband, Dan; and great-grandchildren, Myers Vaughan and Jack Vaughan, of Charlotte. She also leaves behind many dear and wonderful friends. Mary never met a stranger.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Marty, and her son, Martin Cloran III.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 21, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Southminster, 8919 Park Road, Charlotte, North Carolina 28210. A reception will follow at Lola’s. Burial will be private.

Memorial contributions may be made to Missions at Myers Park United Methodist Church, 1501 Queens Road, Charlotte, North Carolina 28207, or to a charity of the donor’s choice in Mary’s memory.

Gmom, you will be missed—your stories, your laughter, your love of family, a good martini, and your sticky buns. We love you.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.